Lost City
Trek
The Lost City Trek 4 days & 3 nights
- Departing everyday
- 3 nights in basic camps with hammocks and/or beds
- Our program is focused on nature and adventure!
- We run our tours with minimum 5 participants and maximum 10
- Price from COP 1.860.000 per person | Book with only 10% now!
- Click here to see all our tours in Colombia
Explore the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and the stunning natural environment of the Colombian Caribbean with a 4 or 5-day Lost City trek (or Ciudad Perdida trek). Dive deep into the dense Colombian jungle to discover this legendary, hidden archaeological site—an ancient treasure. You will hike 29 miles (47 kilometers) on this challenging Colombia trekking adventure, passing unspoiled waterfalls and refreshing rivers along the way. Your journey leads to the ancient Tayrona city, built between the 11th and 14th centuries in the northern foothills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the heart of the indigenous territory.
Itinerary
Day 1: Starting the Lost City Trek Adventure
Your epic Lost City Trek begins with a 4×4 ride from Santa Marta to El Mamey, gateway to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. After lunch, we start the 7.6 km hike through lush mountains, pristine creeks, and vibrant jungle on the ancestral path toward Ciudad Perdida. Along the way, we stop at the Mirador de las Tres Cruces for breathtaking views and fresh tropical fruit. Continuing the trail, we reach Camp 1 (Adán or Alfredo), where the surrounding landscapes were once home to ancient Tayrona ruins. If weather allows, enjoy a swim in the natural pools near the camp. A hot dinner and rest in a hammock or bed with mosquito netting close your first day on this unforgettable journey, (L& D)
Day 2: The Heart of the Tayrona Territory
Your Lost City Trek continues with breakfast and a 3-hour hike to Camp 2, “Cabaña Wiwa.” After a refreshing dip in the Buritaca River, enjoy a hearty lunch. Next, we journey through the spiritual Kogui village of Mutanyi, where the descendants of the ancient Tayrona civilization still live. As we walk through the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, you’ll experience the deep spirituality of these indigenous lands. We conclude with a 5-hour hike to Camp 3, “Paraíso Teyuna,” located at the foot of the sacred mountain. Here, you’ll rest, energized for tomorrow’s ascent to Ciudad Perdida. Evening generator power is available for comfort (6 p.m. to 9 p.m.).(B,L,D)
Day 3: Ascending to the Lost City's Heart
Today marks the culmination of your Lost City Trek. After an early breakfast, we begin the rigorous ascent of 1,200 stone steps leading to Teyuna, the mythical Ciudad Perdida. As we explore this sacred site deep in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, you’ll walk through foggy jungles, uncovering ancient Tayrona Ruins, circular terraces, hidden paths, and millennia-old walls. Your expert guide will bring the spiritual history of the Tayrona people to life during a 3-hour archaeological tour. After soaking in the magic of the Lost City, we descend for lunch at Camp 3, then continue the hike back to Camp 2 to rest for the night. (B,L,D)
Camp 2 facilities: Limited electricity, bathrooms, and showers.
Day 4: Descent and Farewell to the Sierra
After an early breakfast, we begin the final leg of your unforgettable Lost City Trek. Today is dedicated to descending from the heart of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. We hike two hours back to Camp 1 for a short break and a boost of fresh fruit. From there, the trail descends for approximately four more hours until we reach El Mamey. This stretch allows you to reflect on the ancient culture of the Tayrona Ruins and the incredible journey to Ciudad Perdida. In El Mamey, we share a final celebratory lunch before boarding the 4×4 vehicle that will take you back to Santa Marta. You leave with tired legs, but a heart full of memories—an experience you will never forget. (B,L)
Tour info
Includes
Excludes
Accommodation
Difficulty
Important Information
When to go?
What to pack?
Includes
Transportation in 4×4 vehicle (Santa Marta – Mamey – Santa Marta)
Full meals: 4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
Hydration: Filtered water starting from the first camp
Snacks and fruits provided throughout the trek
Accommodation in camps (hammocks or beds with mosquito nets)
Entrance to the Teyuna Archaeological Park (ICANH)
Assistance insurance during the trek
Contribution to local rural and indigenous communities
Professional Spanish-speaking guide service
Spanish-English translator available if needed
Excludes
• Pack mules for luggage or passengers
• Alcoholic beverages or additional drinks
• Visits to the Mamo (spiritual leader)
• Handicrafts, tips, and personal expenses
• Shopping tours or any activities not specified in the itinerary
Accommodation
Salto Angel: 3 nights in hammocks + 1 night in a basic camp with a private bathroom.
Single room: Additional US$40
Difficulty
The Lost City Trek is rated moderate to challenging. The combination of long hiking days (often 6 hours or more), high heat and humidity, and rugged jungle terrain demands solid physical conditioning. Although the route is not technically difficult, stamina and good overall fitness are essential—especially during the rainy season (May–October), when trails become muddy and slippery.
What makes the trek challenging:
Heat and humidity: The tropical climate increases physical exertion and causes heavy sweating.
Terrain: Expect continuous ascents and descents over dirt, mud, rocks, and sand.
Distance: The classic 4-day route covers about 48 km (29.8 miles), with daily hikes of 5–7 hours.
Rainy conditions: From May to October, rainfall makes the trail more demanding.
Steep ascents: The final climb of 1,200 ancient stone steps to reach Ciudad Perdida is especially tough.
What makes the trek manageable:
No technical skills required.
Pack mules available.
Frequent breaks: Guided tours include regular stops for snacks, water, and meals.
Flexible itineraries: Choosing a longer itinerary (5–6 days) reduces daily distances and effort.
Important Information
The journey to Ciudad Perdida unfolds in a humid tropical rainforest, with daytime temperatures ranging from 26°C to 32°C and dropping to around 18°C at night.
Weather in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta can be unpredictable, with frequent afternoon rain showers that may turn the trails muddy or slippery. Mosquitoes, sandflies, and other insects are common, making insect repellent essential. Several river and creek crossings are required throughout the trek.
This experience also takes place within indigenous and rural territories, where respectful behavior is essential. Visitors are expected to honor local customs, protect the natural environment, and respect community spaces to ensure a harmonious and responsible cultural exchange.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The accommodation and meal services are provided by local communities, who offer these services with dedication and commitment. While we actively collaborates to enhance quality, conditions may vary depending on the camp.
The trail and accommodations are shared by all authorized agencies, meaning tourist flow can fluctuate with the season.
The trek involves certain risks. All travelers are covered by assistance insurance in case of accidents or injuries during the hike.
Each individual is responsible for their personal belongings. Osprey Expeditions is not liable for lost or forgotten items during the journey.
DURING YOUR VISIT
When passing through indigenous communities, it is essential to respect their privacy. Do not take photos without permission and avoid entering their spaces without authorization.
Always follow the guide’s instructions, as they lead the way and ensure your safety, as well as respect for the land.
Do not litter or disturb the natural environment. The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is a fragile and sacred ecosystem, and your presence should be mindful and respectful.
This is a cultural immersion experience. Be open, empathetic, and receptive to the knowledge and wisdom offered by the communities and the mountain.
When to go?
Best Time to Visit the Lost City Trek
The ideal period to experience the Lost City Trek is during the dry season, from December to March, when trails are more stable, river crossings are easier, and overall hiking conditions are safer. However, this is also the busiest time of year, so early booking is recommended.
The rainy season, from April to November, brings lusher vegetation and fewer visitors, but also muddier, more slippery trails and higher river levels, making the trek more physically demanding.
Dry Season (December–March)
Pros: Safer, less muddy trails; lower rivers.
Cons: Higher visitor numbers; advance reservations advised.
Rainy Season (April–November)
Pros: Vibrant landscapes; fewer trekkers.
Cons: Slippery paths, deeper rivers, more challenging conditions.
Annual Closure
The trail remains closed every September for maintenance and indigenous ceremonies.
What to pack?
Recommended Packing List
• Reusable water bottle
• Lightweight, quick-dry, long-sleeve clothing
• Trekking shoes with good grip
• Comfortable sandals for camp
• Swimsuit and quick-dry towel
• Headlamp or power bank (limited electricity in camps)
• Eco-friendly insect repellent and sunscreen
• Personal hygiene kit: toilet paper, shampoo, soap, toothpaste
• Personal medications
• Lightweight rain jacket or poncho
• Cash in small denominations